World-class Universal Theme Park and Resort Planned for the UK

Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, intends to build and operate the company’s first-ever Universal branded theme park and resort in the United Kingdom, located in Bedford, pending planning consent approvals.

We have now submitted a request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO). The proposal is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

MHCLG is inviting representations on the Environmental Statement that accompanies the request, as well as the other documents, plans, and drawings submitted in relation to the proposed development. Any comments on the submitted proposals should be sent to MHCLG through the channels provided, not Universal.

Conceptual artists rendering

The proposals include an entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.

The development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy; it will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs. At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

The project will also help deliver several long sought after transportation upgrades including an expanded Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421 and other local road improvements.

PROJECT UPDATE

The past year has enabled us to closely engage with Bedford Borough Council, neighbouring authorities, national government, transport and environmental bodies and local communities. Thousands of residents participated in our engagement in April 2024 and 92% expressed their support for the project, which we appreciate and played a key role in us moving forward with the project.

Since then, we have continued to advance our proposals and MHCLG is now inviting representations on the submitted proposals. For further information about our submitted proposals, read our June 2025 local letter. For information about the project and our journey so far, read our Media Factsheet.

You can find information shared previously as part of our public engagement on our archive page. This information has now been updated and superseded by the submitted proposals.

26 June 2025 Local Letter

View here

April 2025 Media Factsheet

Your questions answered

1. What is the status of the project?

We have now submitted a request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO). The proposal is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

MHCLG is inviting representations on the Environmental Statement that accompanies the request, as well as the other documents, plans, and drawings submitted in relation to the proposed development. Any comments on the submitted proposals should be sent to MHCLG through the channels provided, not Universal.

2. Where are your other parks?

Universal Destinations & Experiences has five branded theme parks and resorts across the globe, including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore. Each of these world-class resorts feature thrilling, immersive attractions, exceptional hotel and resort options, unique merchandise and culinary experiences as well as live and virtual entertainment.

3. What rides and experiences can I expect to see if this project is taken forward?

We recognise the tremendous excitement our developments bring; however, it is still too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences. Should we secure the necessary planning approvals, we would confirm the exact details at a later stage.

4. When would you start construction?

The projected construction start date is in 2026, subject to the relevant planning consent approvals.

Get in touch

For all media enquiries: uprcorpcomm@uniparks.com

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For all other enquiries: universalukproject@londoncommunications.co.uk

Freephone: 0800 307 7141

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